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Wai Connection Webinar Fern Kumeroa, Romy van der Boom, Don Shearman
Fern Kumeroa and Romy van der Boom from the Taranaki Regional Council (TRC), bring insights into the monitoring programmes and modelling of TRC for the Waitōtara catchment; Don Shearman, Land Services Manager at Taranaki Regional Council shares the sustainable land management programme in the Waitōtara catchment.
Biographies:
Fern Kumeroa , Scientist Freshwater, Taranaki Regional Council
Fern has been with the Council as a Freshwater Scientist for two years and has a background in macroinvertebrates and environmental monitoring. Before joining TRC, Fern worked as a Freshwater Technician. Holding a Masters of Science in Zoology, Fern has a strong foundation in entomology and chemical ecology (insects and organisms and how they interact with each other and the environment). Fern is a Taranaki local, growing up in Hāwera and is of Ngāti Ruanui decent.
Romy van der Boom, Scientist Land & Soils, Taranaki Regional Council
Romy is new to Taranaki and the Council, bringing a strong academic background in environmental sciences. With a Master of Science in Water Science and Management through the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University, and a Bachelor of Science in Energy Science and Technology and Geography from Otago University, she is dedicated to finding solutions for managing natural resources. Before joining TRC, Romy gained valuable experience as an intern at Tauranga City Council. Romy looks forward to continuing to grow professionally and make a positive impact in the community.
Don Shearman, Land Services Manager, Taranaki Regional Council
Don Shearman graduated from Massey University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree endorsed in natural resource management. Before university, Don spent 15 years as a professional shearer, working throughout NZ, Australia, and Great Britain.
He has worked for the Taranaki Regional Council for nearly 29 years and has been the Land Services Manager for the last 20. Don leads a team of 20 and is responsible for implementing Council’s Sustainable Land Management Programme (SLMP). The SLMP is focused on achieving sustainable land use in the eastern Taranaki hill country; the implementation of riparian management on the Taranaki ring plain to improve water quality; protection and enhancement of wetlands; coastal dune restoration; native habitat restoration and soil conservation. Don also leads the Council’s project team for the delivery of the South Taranaki and Regional Erosion Support Scheme (STRESS) which is a key driver for achieving sustainable land use in the hill country with a particular focus on the Waitotara Catchment.
